Ole Miss opts not to extend Andy Kennedy's contract

Coming off a 22-win season and a trip to the third round of the NIT, Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy has added a top-20 recruiting class and an impact grad transfer in Memphis' Markel Crawford. With most of his top players returning, expectations are high for the Rebels going into next season.
Hugh Kellenberger

Kennedy led Ole Miss to a 22-14 record and the NIT quarterfinals this past season. He just finished his 11th season at Ole Miss and has guided the program to the NCAA Tournament in 2013 and '15.

"Chancellor Vitter, Coach Kennedy and I all have high expectations for our basketball program," Ross Bjork, Ole Miss' athletic director, said Friday. "We have invested more than ever before with the construction of The Pavilion, enhancements to the Tuohy Center, addition of new staff members and increased recruiting resources. Coach Kennedy has a multi-year contract with three years remaining on his current agreement. We will continue to support our student-athletes, Coach Kennedy and his staff, to build the program into a consistent NCAA tournament team."

When reached for comment, Kennedy said he would not comment on his contract. Ben Garrett of the Ole Miss Spirit was the first to report the news.

The NIT run a few months ago generated some excitement for the program and Kennedy has built on that this offseason. He's put together the No. 18 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.